Costco pharmacy sales jump 4 percent in first quarter

ISSAQUAH, Wash. Costco’s pharmacy sales increased 4 percent to $634 million during the first quarter with a higher volume of generic drugs cutting into revenues.

Costco reported a 1.2 percent increase in prescription sales to $306 million for the quarter and a 6.8 percent jump in over-the-counter sales to $328 million. The company ended the quarter with 383 pharmacies.

Overall, Costco produced another strong showing with sales of food and electronics leading the way. Costco posted earnings of $262 million for the quarter and total sales of $15.81 billion compared to $14.15 billion last year. Same store sales at its U.S. stores increased 6 percent for the three-month period ended Nov. 25.

Poll

Poll

Which of the current U.S. Presidential hopefuls do you think would be best for your business?

Hillary Clinton

Jeb Bush

Donald Trump

Ted Cruz

Ben Carson

Scott Walker

Marco Rubio

Rand Paul

Chris Christie

Mike Huckabee

SPECIAL REPORTS

Pharmacy’s battle for recognition continues

Fifty years ago this summer, President Lyndon B. Johnson secured his place in history by signing into law the legislation that created Medicare and Medicaid. To commemorate the anniversary, Drug Store News has put together an exclusive report on the effect that Medicare and Medicaid have had on the retail pharmacy industry and how it has transformed the role of the pharmacist. more...

IN THIS ISSUE

In this issue, DSN profiles Rite Aid and how the company is achieving a vision to become a retail healthcare company that delivers a higher level of care to its communities; takes you on a tour of Sears; offers insight into millennial shoppers and more. Click here to view the issue.